Evaluation of the Association between Advanced Periodontal Diseases and Gastrointestinal Problems and Influence of Oral Hygiene on This Association in Kermanshah Dental School

Statement of the Problem: Some studies reveal that the oral cavity acts as a potential reservoir for H. pylori or a possible route of transmission. The aim of this study was to evaluate the association between advanced periodontal diseases and gastrointestinal problems and the effect of oral hygiene on this relationship. Materials and Methods: This descriptive cross-sectional study was carried out on ۷۱ patients with advanced periodontal disease, referring to Kermanshah Dental School. History of any systemic disease (non-gastrointestinal), alcohol consumption, smoking, addiction and diabetes was considered as exclusion criteria. Patients were divided into two groups: non-gastrointestinal problems and gastrointestinal problems (regurgitation, swelling and peptic ulcers). In addition, these groups were subdivided into three subgroups: no tooth brushing, and brushing once and twice a day. Statistical analysis was carried out using chi-squared and Fisher’s exact tests. Statistical significance was defined at P<۰.۰۵. Results: There were ۴۲ patients (۵۹.۱%) with gastrointestinal problems. The statistical difference between advanced periodontal diseases and gastrointestinal problems in patients was significant (P<۰.۰۵). ۸۱.۱% of patients not brushing daily, ۶۸.۹% brushing once a day and ۱۳.۳% brushing twice a day had gastrointestinal problems, with statistically significant differences (P<۰.۰۵). Conclusion: This study revealed that patients with advanced periodontal disease have also more gastrointestinal disorders and tooth brushing twice a day significantly decreased gastrointestinal problems in patients.